Data collection and the research design

Generally, studies using this method have used `face-to-face’ interview styles in the

first and second phases, and the third phase, where present, has been conducted either face to face or electronically. The design for my research study using this approach had a third phase developed that consisted of an online synchronous communication route using an instant messenger system. This was agreed with the participants and telephone contact following initial analysis was to be used to arrange the phase three interview. Although participants were made aware at the beginning of the phase one interview that this online opportunity would be available, there were a number of issues that arose from the development of this phase. Whilst online interviews are used in a variety of research fields, the use of social software, such as instant messaging services, to undertake these interviews was relatively new and experimental (Denscombe, 2007). The researcher was to ensure that data from phase three (online) interviews is saved as a data file and held on a secure server. The interviews were to take place over a secure network and in an area

where the connection is strong and reliable. This location would also be private, with no opportunity for others to view the ‘conversation’ on screen. The participant was made aware of the process that will be followed should the interview be interrupted in the case of power or connection problems. However, following testing of this approach it was unsustainable as firewalls within organisations blocked the use of all synchronous messenger systems. Although ‘Skype’ was enabled in some organisations, not all participants were able to use this. A decision was taken to offer asynchronous opportunities for further data collection via email should any participant wish to take part in this. Following the interviews in phase one and two, all participants felt that they had provided the data they wished to therefore did not engage with email exchanges for this purpose.

3.6.1 Methods of data collection: the pilot interviews

Two pilot interviews using the BNIM interviewing technique were carried out and transcribed in July 2009. The benefits of undertaking this were immense. I was able to test not only the BNIM interviewing style but also the process surrounding the interview, timing, location, recording equipment, participant information sheets, consent forms, and the safety arrangements. The interviews revealed that, at the beginning of the first phase, there needed to be a clear explanation of how the interview would proceed, as many participants may be unfamiliar with the technique and the open, free-flowing, nature of the approach. Following the pilot interviews, I produced a script for my opening of the interviewing which outlined that I would listen to the whole narrative and not interrupt, and that they could take as long as they chose. I also included the fact that there would be a break between phases one and two to enable note taking, comfort breaks, and the preparation for phase two.

The first of the two interviews was very short in phase one, as the participant stated afterwards that she wasn’t sure how much detail there should be and wasn’t sure what I was interested in. However, phase two enabled me to draw out particular incidents which could then be expanded upon.

Following transcription I was offered feedback from Tom Wengraf, who received the transcription and provided critical feedback. This enabled me to practice the technique further (outside of the research study) to become more familiar with the

interviewing technique. I practiced this with colleagues but also asked a colleague who had been trained in BNIM interviewing to interview me to gain an insight into the BNIM interview process from the perspective of the participant.

3.6.2 Data Collection: Conduct of interviews

Interviews were arranged in a mutually agreed location, for some this was a room within their workplace or their home or a location felt to be appropriate in relation to privacy and safety. Safety procedures were followed in accordance with the Social Research Associations Code of Practice for Social researchers (Social Research Association, 2006). These procedures specifically include using telephone contact prior to the interview to arrange the location and, wherever possible, for the interview to take place in a private room in a public place. Where interviews were carried out within the participant’s home, the researcher used information about the surrounding area and safety to ensure that they are safe in that area. A key person was telephoned prior to the interview with details of anticipated time to be spent during that interview. At the end of the interview, the key person was then telephoned to confirm that the interview had finished. Additionally, the key person was given a list of interview locations. The researcher was identified to the participant using their University ID badge. The participant information sheet also contains details of the line manager of the researcher who may also be contacted at any point to confirm identity.

Interviews were carried out using an unstructured format following the framework of Wengraf’s (2001) Biographical narrative interpretive approach. Each interview followed this sequential pattern:

• Introduction and establishment of relationship between researcher and participant.

• Completion and confirmation of written consent to participate, and for the use of audio recording equipment and the taking of field notes. The participant was also reminded at this stage that, as a Registered Nurse, the researcher is bound by the NMC Code of Conduct and, should poor practice, abuse or neglect be identified, this may need to be reported.

• The interview then continued with the initial question (SQUIN):

As you know, I am interested in the experiences of learning disability nurses over the last 30 years. Please tell me about your career as a learning disability nurse, starting from when you began to think about your nurse training to now

• Following the initial narration, which took anything between 10 minutes and an hour, a break of around 10-15 minutes enabled the participant to relax and the researcher to review the field notes in order to prepare Topic questions aimed at inducing narratives (TQUIN). The second phase of the interview generally lasted anything between 30-60 minutes.

• At the end of the interview the participant was thanked for their participation and their contact details for follow-up interviews checked as accurate.

Following each interview field notes were written up, including a ‘general impressions’ note for each participant. This, as advocated by Wengraf (2001; 2009), aids memory recall. In relation to data security and confidentiality, the audio recording from the interviews were transcribed verbatim and all data will be kept secure as digital files on a password-protected server, and, in the case of field notes and consent forms, in a locked filing cabinet in the researcher’s office on University premises. All completed transcripts were returned to the participant for checking.